Imagi hopes to animate 'Astro' buyers

Shows sneak peak of trailer at AFM

Are AFM buyers in an animated mood?

Although Imagi CEO Doug Glen admitted that there "has never been a big CG-animated picture that has been sold at AFM," Imagi nevertheless decided to pave the way by treating AFM attendees to a sneak peak of the trailer for its computer-animated feature "Astro Boy" on Wednesday night.

The film is based on the successful Japanese franchise about a young robot and features the voice of Freddie Highmore in the title role. Summit Entertainment is handling U.S. distribution and international sales on "Astro Boy," which Summit's Rob Friedman called "a great, perennial property that can cross all age groups."

Helmer David Bowers ("Flushed Away") also was on hand for the unveiling. He explained that the film will focus on "how Astro Boy came to be and to find himself." The production is expected to open October, 2009.

Also in production at Imagi -- which maintains bases in Los Angeles and Hong Kong -- are "Tusker" and "Gatchaman."